NON-CONTACT infrared thermometers are safe for use, the Health Ministry said today, rebutting claims on social media that the device may be harmful.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the device does not emit radiation.

Instead, it detects and absorbs heat in the form of infrared rays emitted from the human body and converts them into electricity.

“The electronic circuit within the thermometer processes the electrical signal to determine the temperature and display the reading on a screen.

“Since infrared thermometers do not emit harmful radiation, it is safe to be used,” he said in a statement.

Some infrared thermometers also use lasers to better aim for the spot where the temperature is to be taken. The laser is usually within the 630-670nm range that emits less than 1mW/cm2 of energy, which is lower than infrared from sunlight, he added.

Non-contact infrared thermometers and thermal scanner cameras have been widely used for screening individuals and as a preventive measure during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The infrared thermometers can be used on the forehead or tympanic membrane in the ear to take a person’s temperature.

“Even though the accuracy of the temperature measurement on a tympanic membrane is better, the forehead is more easily accessible for population screening,” he said.

“There are studies that include the wrist as a site for temperature measurement. However, the available evidence is unable to determine its accuracy,” he added.

Noor Hisham said a review by the ministry’s Health Technology Assessment Section (MaHTAS) found there is no scientific evidence to prove there are adverse effects to using infrared thermometers on the forehead.

A total of 64 registered brands of infrared thermometers are permitted to be imported and supplied in Malaysia.

An additional seven brands have been permitted under the special access route to cater to needs during the Covid-19 outbreak.

“The ministry is aware of the availability of infrared thermometers that are not registered or have no special access permission in the market,” he said.

“Through the Medical Devices Authority, the ministry is monitoring this situation and will take action against any breach of the law as provided under Act,” he added, referring to the Medical Device Act 2012 (Act 737), under which such devices have to be registered.

“However, in emergency situations, such as during the Covid-19 pandemic, importation and supply of infrared thermometers may be allowed via special access route subject to certain conditions and for a limited timeframe.”

Thermometers sold in Malaysia must comply with various standards demonstrating safety and performance, he said. – August 3, 2020.